For failing to adhere to the new protocols approved for the aviation sector, the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN has threatened that public officials and Very Important Personalities (VIPs), who do not comply will be denied access to the airport terminals.
This is coming on the heels of alleged altercations between a former and serving governors and airport officials recently.
Recall that former Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, and Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri had in two separate incidents reportedly clashed with airport officials at the Aminu Kano International Airport Kano and Port Harcourt International Airport respectively, although Yari later denied the allegation.
Yari had on Saturday, July 11, 2020, at Aminu Kano International airport Kano was alleged to have refused to adhere to the airport’s health protocols and procedures while Governor Fintiri on the other hand on Tuesday, July 14, 2020, at the Port Harcourt International airport, in company with eight other passengers also allegedly refused to observe airport security and port health protocol.
To this effect, FAAN in a Press Statement released via a tweet on their official twitter handle on Friday, July 17, 2020, threatened to bar non-compliant VIPs and Public Officials from Airport terminals.
‘’The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) notes with dismay, two acts of infractions on the rules and guidelines for air passengers and airport users. The first incident occurred on Saturday, July 11, 2020, at the Aminu Kano International airport when a former governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari, declined to adhere to the port health protocols and procedures.’’
The second incident occurred on Tuesday, July 14, 2020, when the Governor of Adamawa State, Alhaji Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, arrived at the Port-Harcourt International airport, in the company of eight other passengers. He also fragrantly refused to observe airport security and port health protocols.’
‘As a responsible institution of the Federal Government of Nigeria, FAAN holds all officials of the states in high esteem and accords them all the courtesies their status deserves. Therefore, FAAN has no personal issues with Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari and Governor Fintiri.
FAAN also pointed out that these protocols that were flouted by these 2 VIPs were duly approved by the Federal Government through the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 and were intended to protect airport users and contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
Going further, FAAN in the statement said, ‘’By their actions, the two personalities put at risk not only themselves but also other airport users. These protocols are now part of the new normal all over the world and no person, no matter how highly placed is exempted from them, else he would be denied access to our facilities.
FAAN wishes to restate the need for all air travelers to strictly adhere to the security, public health, and operation protocols put in place to make air travel in the country safe, secure, and efficient, especially in the midst of this pandemic’ the stated added.
FAAN further urged government officials and VIPs to not just comply with the rules but also provide leadership to other air travelers by projecting good conduct and protecting public safety.